What is an Air Barrier?

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An air barrier must be a material that is impermeable to air flow across its surface and / or at a joint.

The best air barrier is one that is relatively easy to install, 100% continuous from foundation to roof and free from penetrations, tears and mistakes.

Some imperatives:

  • It must be strong enough to withstand air-pressure differences
  • It must be durable during construction and for the expected life of the building
  • All penetrations must be planned for continuous air tightness
  • Any tearing, holes or mistakes must be sealed to maintain air tightness.

Most common air leakage areas.


Remember the three (3) C's of Air Barrier Installation:

CONTINUITY CAULKING CLAMPING
The air barrier must form
an unbroken
layer covering the entire structure.		 Where sheets and roll
materials meet, caulk joints to
maintain the integrity of the AB
 Use mechanical means to compress seams
and hold the AB in place
(eg. strapping)

The air barrier must be an unbroken, continuous boundary in the building envelope.

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